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An open naltrexone treatment study in pathological gambling disorder
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis 55454-1495, USA. kimxx003@umn.edu
International Clinical Psychopharmacology
|September 13, 2001
Summary
Naltrexone shows short-term effectiveness in treating pathological gambling disorder by reducing gambling urges and behavior. Most patients responded by week four, with nausea being a common side effect.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Pathological gambling disorder (PGD) is a significant mental health concern.
- Current treatment options for PGD have limitations.
- Naltrexone, an opioid antagonist, has shown promise in treating addictive behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the short-term efficacy and safety of naltrexone for pathological gambling disorder.
- To assess the impact of naltrexone on gambling urges and behavior.
Main Methods:
- A 6-week open-label trial involving 17 subjects meeting DSM-IV criteria for PGD.
- Flexible dosing of naltrexone, with symptom assessment using Clinical Global Impression (CGI) scales and Gambling Symptom Assessment Scale.
- Monitoring of side effects and liver function tests.
Main Results:
- Naltrexone significantly reduced gambling frequency and financial losses.
- Clinician-rated CGI Improvement showed a mean change of 0.40.
- The average effective dose was 157 mg/day, with most responses occurring by week four.
- Nausea was the most common side effect, reported by 47% in the first week.
Conclusions:
- Naltrexone appears to be a potentially effective short-term treatment for pathological gambling disorder.
- Further controlled trials are necessary to confirm these preliminary findings.
- Naltrexone may be a viable option for managing PGD symptoms, with a manageable side effect profile.